Matilda Mae at 2 Months

So on the 2nd July Matilda Mae reached two months of age.

Two months!

I feel like she has been with us forever.

Matilda Mae is a strong and beautiful baby. She already has great head control and loves her tummy time.



When Esther and William were babies I wrote a review of our Fisher Price Rainforest Music and Lights Gym, Matilda Mae now loves it as much as they did. In fact, Esther and William still love it too!

Matilda Mae is much more active and aware this month. She enjoys playing and chatting in the very short periods that she is awake. She als really enjoys her bath and this gives her some special one to one time with Daddy.

June was a busy month for Matilda and I. So busy that we missed the deadline for registering her birth. Something we need to rectify as soon as possible but when I try to book an appointment online there is not one available until September! A phone call is needed I think.

During Matilda's second month I had two very painful bouts of Mastitis. The first time I did not realise I had it until I lost over 24 hours to fever. I did not know how painful this infection can be. Matilda and I took to bed and slept and breastfed our way through my delirium.

Matilda Mae has been in pain too. She suffers with bad wind and with silent reflux. It is awful to see her in so much pain and distress and not know what to do to make her better. We have had a few very sleepless nights and because generally she is really good at night these have left us very much worse for wear.

In this second month I have been struggling to find a balance between caring for Matilda and looking after Esther and William. Their needs are so different and so I have relied on David a lot. We have also been lucky enough to have Grandad help us out on a few occasions which Esther and William have loved. This month I have learned not to be afraid to ask for help. And in fact I have my Mum lined up to come and help us for the whole of the month of July.

I am taking them out more on my own now but it does help to have an extra pair of hands. Monday to Wednesday mornings Esther and William do different classes which we all now go to. On a good day Matilda will sleep right through but sometimes I am trying to help the twins with their class and entertain or feed the baby. It is so much easier with some help!

Matilda Mae has perfected her smile this month and likes nothing better than having a little chat with Mummy or Daddy. She is also starting to smile at Esther and William which of course they love. I would describe their attitude to their new sibling as violently affectionate. They love to cuddle and kiss her but are quite clumsy in doing so and often hurt poor Baby Tiger (Baby Tilda).

Every day that passes I think that our family is becoming solidly stuck together where for a while I felt that Matilda and I were on the outside looking in. Though I have discovered that getting a picture of all three of them together is not an easy thing to do!

Matilda is a big baby, or seems to be to us. She is wearing clothes now that Esther was wearing at 7 months. In fact at 7 weeks Matilda Mae weighed about 10lbs which William and Esther weighed at 7 months. Seems crazy that at the size Matilda is now Esther and William were sitting confidently and eating solid food.

Matilda Mae is still completely breast fed.  I promised David that from 4 weeks she would have one bottle a day and I still have not tried to give her one. I don't think that I am deliberately avoiding it but we are just so busy all of the time.

Matilda still sleeps in bed with me.  I love cosleeping. It means that everyone gets more sleep and makes night feeding so easy. I also love the first few moments of the day when Matilda snuggles up to me and smiles at me. I fall in love with her a little bit more everyday.

This month Matilda and I went on a road trip together to Brit Mums Live 2012 where we had a fabulous time. We would not have survived the weekend without our Chicco Nunu Pramette and our Baby Bjorn Miracle Carrier.

BritMums Live was one of our highlights of the month. The lowest light was definitely on the hottest day of the month. Esther and William were desperate to play outside in the water but Matilda just could not deal with the heat. The only way we could soothe her was to lay her in a Flexibath and cover her with water. How do you keep your baby cool on our rare hot and sunny days? I would love to know.

So there we have it, a whole two months with Matilda Mae. There have been highs and lows and everything in between. Our beautiful daughter grows bigger and stronger everyday and I am so very proud to be her Mummy.

I wonder what she will achieve and how she will change in month 3???

Erin at Two Months

Erin has changed so much over the last few weeks. She has continued to breast fed well and has been gaining about a 1lb every week. My mother in law keeps telling me its the small babies that come on quickly and this is certainly true in Erin's case!

When Erin was five weeks old I managed to venture down to my local Breastfeeding Support Group where I am one of the Mother supporters. It was really good to get out of the house for a few hours apart from doing school runs. It was lovely to catch up with the other mums and their babies and to see how much they had changed in the five weeks since I had last seen them. Amazingly Erin slept for the whole two hours we were there and I was able to enjoy a cup of tea and the opportunity to chat. I'm still not used to being able to do these things like that so early on. None of the boys would have slept for so early on and I always seemed to have to hold them.

I'm still having to walk to do the school runs too as its only five weeks since my c-section but I'm finding the walking with the buggy and Rowan walking is putting strain on my scar but my double pushchair is still too heavy for me to use as well. So I booked an appointment to see one of my gp's to discuss the possibility of being able to drive before the recommended six week period. I have a good fifteen minute walk to the local primary school but when you add a toddler walking slowly it's longer and coming home again is also up hill. My mum has come to help me walk the boys to school in the morning but I have had to collect Rowan at lunchtime on my own and then have to go its not watery like it is when she has wind. A friend mentions that is could be reflux but I'm not convinced though I have to admit she is displaying some of the symptoms of reflux. I decide to post in one of the breastfeeding pages I subscribe to on Facebook to see if anyone could suggest something that may help. Shortly after posting one of the other members asks if I have heard of 'Forceful letdown' I hadn't so go off to look it up. Erin has been gagging at times when she first latches on to my breast ( she does it more when on the right side) and I've had to slap her on the back on a few occasions to stop her choking but she quickly wants to continue feeding. But then she constantly wants to feed dispute being full and bringing back the milk. She gets quite upset about it too bless her. When I compare the symptoms for reflux and forceful let down I can see the similarities but also know I have a very fast letdown which leeds me to think Erin is suffering from Forceful letdown. I'm relieved there are some simple steps I can try that can ease the symptoms for Erin and r when I get Erin weighed. I'm advised to keep an eye on her feeding pattern but the health visitor isn't concerned at present. However
a week later Erin appears to be bringing back a lot of her milk after Feds and its not watery like it is when she has wind. A friend mentions that is could be reflux but I'm not convinced though I have to admit she is displaying some of the symptoms of reflux. I decide to post in one of the breastfeeding pages I subscribe to on Facebook to see if anyone could suggest something that may help. Shortly after posting one of the other members asks if I have heard of 'Forceful letdown' I hadn't so go off to look it up. Erin has been gagging at times when she first latches on to my breast ( she does it more when on the right side) and I've had to slap her on the back on a few occasions to stop her choking but she quickly wants to continue feeding. But then she constantly wants to feed dispute being full and bringing back the milk. She gets quite upset about it too bless her. When I compare the symptoms for reflux and forceful let down I can see the similarities but also know I have a very fast letdown which leeds me to think Erin is suffering from Forceful letdown. I'm relieved there are some simple steps I can try that can ease the symptoms for Erin and she should grow out of it. So at her next feed I try to fed her in a more upright position and then half way through about 20 minutes in to wind her. I was amazed the difference after just a few feeds, Erin was not fussing at the breast and was bringing her wind up easier without positing. I have to admit though the most challenging part was during night feeds where I would usually fed her laying on my side I now had to sit up to fed her, which meant I couldn't doze as I tend too when feeding in the early hours.

At eight weeks Erin was called to have her first set of immunisations and at the same time I had my post natal check up with the gp. The health visitor attached to my surgery (not my usual health visitor, I live in a flying start area so am seen by a flying start health visitor. Flying start is a government initiative) I mentioned the forceful letdown to the gp who had not heard of it but agreed what I was doing seemed to be doing the trick. I breastfeed Erin during her immunisations something I did with both Rowan and Trystan as breastfeeding produces natural indorphenes making immunisations less painful. Erin was more than happy to fed but when the first injection was administered her little eyes went wide and you could see the shock and pain. But I know having her immunised is the right thing to do to protect her from future harmful illnesses. After the initial shock Erin returned to feeding and seemed quite happy. All three boys have reacted differently to their immunisations, usually displaying a temperature or just been unsettled. Rowan used to develop a temperature and then sleep so we watched to see how Erin would react. Surprisingly Erin didn't seem to react at all apart from wanting to feed a little more frequently.

This last month Erin's bouncer has continued to be a product we couldn't live without, as she has become more aware of her surroundings the toy bar on the bouncer has provided something for her to focus on and reach for. The other item that has been a god send this month is my baby carrier. When Erin was six months old we had the opportunity to test three baby carriers for a magazine. Both myself and dad of three were amazed at how much they had changed since we had bought our old one almost eight years ago. I had just over a week to try out three different baby carriers and give feedback on them. Erin was more than happy to lend a hand and seemed very comfortable in the carriers. She even fell asleep almost immediately in one of them! I had forgot how much using a baby carrier enabled you to do while wearing your baby. The companies behind the carriers have certainly put a great deal of thought into the designs and also the comfort for both parent and baby. We're anxiously awaiting the edition of the magazine to be published so we can see what our feature looks like, it was such a fantastic experience.

Isobel at four months

This month Isobel and I have joined some new baby groups! I realised I was spending the first half of my week meeting with mum friends I met when I had Luka and the second half either doing housework or catching up on other things in between pram walks and sleeps.So I decided Isobel needed her own friends. We've started going to a baby group at the eldest one's school and an NCT group I used to attend when Luka was a baby. It's been really nice chatting to other new mums and I hope Isobel will make some friends too.
Emotionally, month four has been quite tough again. I've spoken to my doctor about my feelings and we agreed that a lot of it has to do with both Luka's birth and the distinct lack of sleep that is happening right now! I've been referred to a counsellor and my husband and I are looking to get some closure on the whole birth issue. To be perfectly honest, it felt like a huge weight off my shoulders and I've had a much more positive outlook since I spoke out.There are still lots of feelings of guilt surrounding how I am now parenting Isobel and how I struggled with Luka but I guess this is something I need to work through.

This is the moment Isobel rolled over!

This month, Isobel has rolled from her back to her front! Hooray! She has been trying for ages and has been getting really frustrated. Once on her front, she is starting to really hold herself up with her arms and she holds her head really well too. Not only that but her little legs are bending as if she is about to crawl! She has never been a static baby by any means but now you can leave her on the mat for a few minutes and when you return she is at the other side of the room! It won't be long until she is off, I'm sure.

Isobel in her Dribble Buster

At four months, Isobel is teething really badly. We've been using teething toys such as the Gummee Glove  which has been fantastic, but mainly she has been chomping our fingers, her fingers and anything else she can get her hands on! She's also been living in dribble bibs so I've started using prettier ones that match her outfit! Don't laugh, this is probably my last girl! Anyway, we love Dribble Busters and they do the job let me tell you! I think the teething also has a lot to do with why Isobel is not sleeping as much as she was in the earlier weeks either. These days she only sleeps for about 40 minutes or so during the day and most of those sleeps are either in the car or the pram. Luckily we have a large carry cot with our Joolz Day pram and she sleeps really well in there. We've also started using a Kid Sit board for our walks, which is brilliant. Luka can sit and chat with Isobel and it's a lot easier to push than the double pram.
During the night, Isobel is still only going 2-3 hours between feeds and we are thinking about moving on to a cup soon so that she can have a little drink of water. At her weigh in this month (12lb 3!) the health visitor suggested this might encourage her to sleep a little longer at night as she will stop waking for water, but I'm not convinced. She is following the line nicely on the growth charts so there doesn't seem to be much point in disrupting that. We're also still using the Baby Bay bed so my sleep isn't too disrupted...
All in all, Isobel is coming on in leaps and bounds. She is no longer a 'little' baby which is sad in a way, but very exciting in another! We had professional photos done this month which was nice. We do take a lot of photos ourselves but its nice to have some really good quality ones done too.

I'll leave you at the end of month four with this gorgeous photo. For me, it sums up how lovely the developing big brother relationship is.

Big brother

Isobel at three months

Emotionally, this has been a difficult month for me. I've been helping to set up and attending a Birth Trauma Association support group for local ladies and I think it has re-opened old wounds for me. Isobel is still not the best sleeper either and we all know what happens when you are deprived of sleep! The smallest things have been slightly overwhelming me this month and I have to admit that I have found the idea of escaping somewhere- alone- very appealing!
On another note, this month has been a month of firsts, the most gorgeous of them being hearing the sweet sound of my baby girl laughing! Her big sister extracted this scrumptious sound during bath time, one of her favourite times of the day. We find that early evenings are her ‘fussy time’ and if she won’t settle for a quick sleep, we have to hurry our dinner and get her up to the bath as soon as possible. Once in her tummy tub, she starts to smile and coo which is lovely!

relaxing after bath time

Isobel is also making lots of new sounds now and has started to talk to herself more. This month she has had another cold but it doesn’t seem to have bothered her as much this time. I’ve noticed she will lie in her moses basket awake and simply chatter herself to sleep, which is lovely. This only works during the day though- at night she is still falling asleep at the breast and some nights we are there for over an hour before she will settle off! Once asleep though, she tends to go from around 8pm to 1 or 2 am, which is great. After that, she will wake every two hours still- and still prefers my bed to her own!

Isobel’s awake periods are a lot more frequent during the day now and we’re really enjoying getting to know her better. She is a very active baby and loves to roll around on her play mat. She hasn’t managed to roll completely over yet but she is almost there! Isobel also loves cuddles and often shouts for you to pick her up. Once in your arms, she will look all around her, holding her head up really well and pushing with her legs for a better view. On your lap, she loves to stand and from lying down, she will stand straight if you pull her hands gently. She also loves to plonk herself down on her bottom from standing and we’re always rewarded with a beautiful smile when she does this. It’s a good job she’s wearing cloth nappies to protect her bottom!

I must make a note here about Isobel’s smile. When you catch her eye and say hello, her whole body lights up with enjoyment. My eldest commented that she looks so happy she could burst, and that’s exactly what it’s like. It’s such an honour to witness pure pleasure in the simplest things life gives us. Every smile- and now chuckle- makes us appreciate this little girl more and more. It’s such a precious time.

Babywearing is still going really well at three months. Isobel loves to be next to me and often the convenience of not having to get the pram out is a huge bonus too. We’ve been going for family walks in the woods and she sleeps contentedly the whole time. I’m looking forward to turning her around so that she can see more of the world, but for now its lovely having her all to myself.

showing an interest in her toys

Breastfeeding is also going really well too. By the middle of this month, Isobel was weighing in at 10lb 8oz which means she is still gaining really well. I’ve not been able to take her as often as I did with the others, but I think this is also a sign that I am much more relaxed this time too. I’ve also given up my silly diet and my mood has lifted considerably as a result. Isobel herself continues to be amazingly relaxed and calm, but that’s not to say she doesn’t have her moments!

At three months old, Isobel still charming all who meets her. She always has a smile in return for a little attention and her dimples never fail to make people smile back at her. She’s a very sociable baby and she is starting to show real affection for her brother and sister. As a family, things have calmed down considerably too. Luka is a lot more accepting of the fact that he needs to share us with Isobel and our bedtime routine has been perfected to the point where all the children are settled and sorted most nights by 8pm. I wish I could say the same about the house work but you can’t have everything!

In short, we are all still very much besotted with our little lady.But it has to be said... I would like some more sleep now please!

Zack at 3 months

Month 3 has been a difficult one. I took Zack for his 12 week injections on the Tuesday and went to the baby clinic while I was there to get him weighed. 


I know he's been gaining weight slowly. Jake was the same. I just assumed that like Jake, he'd catch up in his own time. At 8 weeks, he was 9lb exactly. I expected him to be at least 10lbs at 12 weeks, especially considering how often he feeds.

He was 9lb 6oz. He'd dropped two lines on the centile chart (and below the 0.4th), so we had to see the GP. As soon as they said he had only put on 6oz, I knew the discussion of formula would come up. It's not that I'm against formula. It's just that I wanted to breastfeed. I had no concerns previous to him being weighed. He's smiley, he is alert, he sleeps through the night. There was nothing at all to make me worry.

The doctor sent us up to Birmingham Children's Hospital. We ended up in A&E department as that's where the RMO's were (Registered Medical Officer). We were taken to cubicle and Zack was asleep in his pushchair, so the RMO was talking to me, asking me questions about Zack, about me, about Jake, about my pregnancy. She had a feel of his tummy, checked him over and said that she didn't think there was anything wrong with his tummy or anything and that we should top him up with formula, just as I expected she would. I said that I didn't really want to and that I wanted to fix breastfeeding first. So she admitted us and arranged to Zack to have a blood test, in which I cried more than he did and was reduced to a snotty mess. So much so that even the nurse took pity on me and wiped my nose as I had no hands free.

I still feel a bit angry, because I feel like if I'd agreed to the formula, she would have just sent us home, but because I put my foot down we had to endure a horrible 24 hours in hospital. He looked so small in the huge cot in his room, and I had the delight of sleeping on a faux leather recliner for the night, in a hot, stuffy room.

The doctors came round in the morning and again, had a poke and a prod. Then a dietician came in and spoke to me.

I have had to compromise. We have agreed that he has two feeds a day of a high calorie formula that promotes catch up growth, and that I breastfeed as well. I have been prescribed Domperidone to try and increase my milk supply. I think it's working, I feel fuller, anyway. Zack has to be weighed every week and I am to call the dietician with his weights so we can plan the next course of action, which will hopefully at some point be to drop the formula altogether and go back to exclusive breastfeeding. All this is fine, if the dietician ever calls me back, as so far, I've had no feedback from her. 

It's taken me a long time to be OK with this. Not because I don't want him to gain weight, not because I don't want him to have formula, but because I feel like I've failed him.

One of the most natural things in the world is to breastfeed your baby, to nurture them, and I couldn't do it alone. Whether it's because of everything my body has been through over the last two and a half years, I don't know, but I wanted to be able to do this so much and the fact that I couldn't upsets me more than I can put into words. 

He's put weight on, he's climbing back up the centile chart, even though it seems to have slowed down a bit now. 

He is the most smiley baby you can imagine. I am so smitten with him it's untrue. 

This month, my must have items have been Tommee Tippee bottles, as he has taken to them really well. If he has to have a bottle, then I'm happy with this one. The Closer to Nature range is designed to  mimics the natural flex, movement and softness of a mum’s breast, to make switching between breast and bottle easier, Zack likes them and that is most important to me (he still won't take a dummy though!)

My other item which I must say I love are the Huggies Newborn Nappies. When Jake was tiny, we really didn't get on with them, almost every one leaked. But this time round they have changed the design of them and I really like them. They have a strip on the front which starts as yellow, and when they are wet, the strip turns blue, which isn't that useful for me as I usually tell by feeling the nappy anyway, but for grandparents/aunties/uncles/friends that don't change nappies that often and don't know what to feel for, these are a brilliant idea. 

Glad this awful month is out of the way. Onwards and upwards to month 4!